WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Boozman announced his subcommittee assignments for the Commerce, Science & Transportation Committee.

Boozman will serve as the Ranking Member on Science and Space and sit on Aviation, Operations, Safety, and Security; Communications, Technology, and the Internet; Competitiveness Innovation, and Export Promotion; Consumer Protection, Product Safety, and Insurance; Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries and Coast Guard; and Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety, and Security.

“The sluggish economy and its effect on job creation in our communities is the most immediate concern facing the state of Arkansas. These subcommittees allow me the ability to best serve the interests of Arkansans as we craft policies vital to our economic recovery. I am eager to work to improve our nation’s economic opportunities and continue to encourage innovation and competition to maintain our position as global leaders as we move into the future,” Boozman said.

Science and Space: As the Ranking Member, Boozman will focus on science, engineering, and technology research and development and policy; calibration and measurement standards; and civilian aeronautical and space science and policy. The Subcommittee conducts oversight on the National Science Foundation, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and the Office of Science and Technology Policy. Advancements in science and technology are vital to the nation’s continued economic security, innovation, and competitiveness.

Aviation, Operations, Safety, and Security: This subcommittee has jurisdiction overcivil aviation, with specific oversight responsibility for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), oversight of the nation’s international infrastructure related to civil aviation as well as domestic aviation security and the majority of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) workforce.

Communications, Technology, and the Internet: This subcommittee has jurisdiction over matters relating to communications including telephones, cell phones, the Internet, commercial and noncommercial television, cable, satellite broadcast, satellite communications, wireline and wireless broadband, radio, consumer electronic equipment associated with such services, and public safety communications.

Competitiveness, Innovation, and Export Promotion: This subcommittee has general oversight jurisdiction over the U.S. Department of Commerce and pays particular attention to strengthening the competitiveness of U.S. industry, promoting trade and investment, and ensuring fair trade and compliance with trade laws and agreements. The Subcommittee also focuses on innovation and manufacturing to help businesses remain globally competitive.

Consumer Protection, Product Safety, and Insurance: Primarily focused on protecting consumers, the subcommittee works to protect the fairness of those transactions and the safety of products people buy and oversees the consumer protection efforts of: the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard: This subcommittee is responsible for legislation and oversight of matters that impact our oceans, coasts, and climate, including: coastal zone management; marine fisheries and marine mammals; oceans, weather and atmospheric activities; marine and ocean navigation; ocean policy and NOAA.

Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety, and Security: This subcommittee has jurisdiction over matters relating to interstate transportation policy issues and broad oversight of the Department of Transportation.

-30-